Flagler Playhouse in Bunnell, just past Palm Coast, is ready for a new season with a newly renovated theater that includes seats from Lewis Auditorium, formerly Flagler College Auditorium.

Executive Director Stephen Pigman, a Theatre Arts graduate of Flagler College, asked people he knew at the college if Flagler Playhouse could purchase the used seats (for a nominal fee). He knew they would fit perfectly in the Flagler Playhouse building, formerly First Baptist Church of Bunnell. Before the used seats, patrons were sitting in pews (since 2005) to view all the shows.

New shows will include “Once Upon A Mattress,” directed by Flagler College professor Lorraine Portman, with music by Curtis Powell; “The Uninvited” and “The Producers”; and “Christmas Carol,” with an original script competition.

In addition to the new seats, the theater has updated carpet, new paint on the walls and ceiling, stenciled wall panels that help with sound, and construction work is still underway with backstage repairs and additions.

Renovations also have been made to the adjacent building, including adding a black box theater called the Second Story Stage that will house children’s shows, acting classes, forums, poetry readings, acoustic music and more. All the upgrades have been made possible through a grant from the Flagler County Tourist Development Council.

“We have plenty of space,” said Flagler Playhouse president Pat Love.

“We hope to attract additional artists who would like to lease space to hold classes. We have a music room and a dance studio where lessons can be held.”

Pigman, who has directed shows in Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, was hired full time in January after directing “Christmas Carol” for the Flagler Playhouse in December 2011.

“Before I came down here, I was going to move to Arkansas for a job, but then I was asked to stay,” Pigman said.

“I immediately had ideas about renovations.”

During rehearsals for “Christmas Carol,” Pigman met artist Jackie Rock, who recently moved to St. Augustine. A professional muralist, Rock was asked to work on the set of the Christmas show. She currently contributes to all the artistic and set work in the theater.

Flagler Playhouse is at 301 E Moody Blvd., in Bunnell, about 30 minutes south of St. Augustine.

“We are just around the corner,” Pigman said. “We are close for theater patrons in St. Augustine.”

Flagler Playhouse will host auditions at 6 p.m. Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 for “The Uninvited” by Tim Kelly, directed by Stephen Pigman. Flagler Playhouse is at 301 E. Moody Blvd., in Bunnell. Actors are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to 6 p.m. for registration. Actors are asked to prepare a short 1-2 minute comedic/melodramatic monologue in a British or Irish accent. Roles for men and women ages 17 and up. No roles have been pre-cast. Call 386-586-0773 or go to www.flaglerplayhouse.com.